| Nell Irvin Painter |
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Sixtieth Birthday Tribute |
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Aladrian & Carl Mack (see photo album) |
Dear Nell: HAPPY BIRTHDAY from the MACKS - Aladrian & Carl. It is no accident that while we are in the Motherland - Zulu-natal, South Africa - you will be celebrating your 60th birthday. We are with you in spirit/soul and welcome you into this new decade of excitement in your life! Aladrian & Carl Mack |
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Kenneth Mack (see photo album) |
Although my identity as a historian is one of the most important of the many identities that I inhabit, I came to Princeton as a graduate student in 1994 as a 29-year old lawyer who knew next to nothing about history. By the time I left campus in 1999, I could in good conscience call myself a historian. Nell Painter is the person most responsible for my making that transition. My first year at Princeton was a heady time. I was admitted in a class that contained an unprecedented (in recent memory) four African-American students, all of whom wanted to spend a significant portion of our time studying with Nell and all of whom were intimidated by Nell's erudition. We all had a lot to learn. I can even remember speaking to Nell via phone before I was admitted, and hearing her tell me that at Princeton graduate students do cutting edge history, involving the "linguistic turn." I, and my graduate student cohort, quickly learned what that meant in her seminars in Social History and Southern History, and in our periodic meetings at Nell's house on Fitzrandolph road for the New History Seminar. We learned how to be both careful and cutting edge historians, and how to be intellectually curious and push the boundaries of our pre-existing thinking, particularly with regard to the intersection of race, class and gender. I'm sure that I join a chorus of graduate students in saying thanks for sharing so much of your time with your students, and helping to transform their intellectual and professional lives. Kenneth W. Mack |
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Marlene & Peter MacLeish (see photo album) |
Dear Nell: Your sweet friendship has been a wonderful part of our lives for more than thirty years...and your elegant books a constant in Christmas and birthdays packages to Odetta (the Currier House Brat you knew so well) and Raymond, now enrolled at Fordham Law School. Peter and I remain your faithful television fans and look forward to your Christmas letters to hear of recent adventures and your wonderful live with Glenn. Peter and I are proud of your fine accomplishments. We send our love and very best wishes for your sixtieth birthday. Do come visit with us in Atlanta... we are making our contribution to Morehouse Medical School...and keeping the faith that we have so profoundly learned from your fine works. Love |
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Debora Macy |
Dear Nell, What a joy it is to know you. Your warmth and kindness are immediately apparent, and your constant smile lights up a room. I wish for you a wonderfully happy birthday, with many, many more to come. Love, |
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Edris Makward |
Dear Nell; Please receive my heart felt congratulations and wishes for many more years of continuation with the good work. I still remember fondly walking and discussing with you, the "Black Revolution" and your passioinate commitment to it,on a Berkley street, some time in ...1969! You have indeed contributed a lot since, in helping many young- and not so young- people, here and elsewhere, understand the profound meaning of my favorite Wolof saying- much deeper than the Socrates"know thyself": "xam sa bop moo gen nu la koy wax! HAPPY 60TH! NELL From an older fellow traveller, Edris Makward |
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Waldo Martin |
Dear Nell: On this momentous occasion I want to wish you a grand birthday! Here's also wishing you happiness, good health, and joy today and always. All the best, |
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William Massey (see photo album) |
Nell: I recently organized a birthday celebration for three African American mathematicians this year. We came up with a solution to the "candle problem". Using binary notation, you can represent your birthday year with no more than six candles (until you turn 128). Just let a lighted candle denote a "1" and let an unlit candle denote a "0". A photo of a sample cake is shown below. So best wishes on your "111100"th birthday! William A. Massey is Edwin S. Wiley Professor in the Department of Operations Research and Financial Engineering at Princeton. |
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Keith Mayes |
Dear Nell, Sixty. Wow. After meeting your mom and dad, I see that looking young runs in the family. I am proud to know that your sixtieth birthday is coming a couple of months after OUR dissertation defense. I will never forget, for as long as I live, the instructions you gave me in March 2002--"shit, get off the pot, and defend by May." Of course that's paraphrased but it was the best kick in the romp I ever received. I just want to say that it has been wonderful knowing you these past six years. You have been an avid supporter, a tough critic, and my biggest booster. You are all that any graduate student can hope and wish for in an advisor, constantly going beyond the call of duty. Though, I'm leaving Princeton for Minnesota and will not have the luxury of seeing you as often, much of what you instilled in me will remain for many years to come. Have a happy sixtieth and in addition to writing history, make it--give the world another sixty years of Nell Irvin Painter. Keith Mayes |
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Mark Mayfield |
Dear Nell, Happy Birthday. We're so much alike. I've written one small book of fluff, you've written 37 of solid research and substance. I struggled through two degrees in college, you have 13 with honors from distinguished universities. I am occasionally quoted in the Caney Chronicle, you are published throughout the world. I have traveled to far places like Bismarck, you to places like France. Now that I think about it, other than both being African-American, we have little in common. So when I grow up, I want to be just like you. That means a lot since that will require a sex change. Oh, enough of this hyperbole and nonsense, what I really mean to say is that I hope you have a great birthday and I will leave you with my favorite birthday poem: You're not getting old when your hair turns gray, Happy Birthday from your Cousin-in-law; |
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Debbie McDowell |
Dear Nell, I am sending you this birthday wish in my loudest, strongest voice, and you must remember that I have a very loud voice. But my strong wishes are equalled only by my skepticism: You can't be sixty and look the way you do. So when the celebrations are over and all your many friends have raised their glasses, I'll expect a facsimile of your birth certificate, since seeing, in this case, is not believing. MANY, MANY HAPPY RETURNS. |
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Bill McFeely |
It is a pleasure to write in support of Nell Painter's well-deserved nomination for the post of Most Distinquished Knitter in the Historical Profession. Although some of us at a podium sweating through a cantakerous paper have had a Dickensian thought when glancing down at her sitting in the front row, hard at work, others, have no doubt been kept warm, by her endless production of beautiful sweaters. I assume her work will be on display when Dickinson Hall next mounts its first annual famous crafts show in honor of her birthday. Happy Birthday |
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Charles McGruder |
My cousin Nell, who is in reality my only sister, ..... Congratulations on your 60th. It is preceded by many, many outstanding accomplishments. You can look back with a great feeling of satisfication. But I look forward to many, many more. Best wishes for your after 60 years. love, charley |
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Nellie McKay (see photo album) |
Dear Nell, Of course it is not possible to calculate how much richer our friendship has made my life, and only when I think if how much poorer it would have been can I begin to appreciate the blessings of the almost-three decades that we have been so close to each other. With much gratitude, I thank you for those years that only you could have given with the love and caring and trust that passeth all human understanding. I don't know that I wish for you another sixty years, and I certainly don't promise to stay around for them if they come to you. But what I do wish for you and me and all whom we love are good health and the freedom to live them as we all desire. With much love, |
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Jim McPherson |
Nell: Having passed the milestone of 60 years and begun the second half of my life five years ago, I welcome you to this exclusive club of older but wiser codgers. It is a time to look back and take pride in all you have accomplished, but also a time to look forward to more great experiences in the future. So, congratulations and best wishes. Jim McPherson |
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Dorothy Mendez |
My Dearest Nell, Congratulations on sixty years of magnificence. Your are truly one of God's special people. Have a wonderful birthday. May this year hold for you many, many blessings, and may all your dreams and wishes come true. Here's to you. Happy, Happy Birthday, YOU GO GIRL |
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Honor Moore |
Well Nell, You raise the bar of gorgeousness and brilliance at the tender age of 60 for all of us. I miss seeing you and being in touch, so know you can reach me any time at HonorM@aol.com.... In any case, thinking of you and sending very much love, Honor |
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John Murrin |
Warmest congratulations, Nell. I don't often get nostalgic about the administrative assignments I have completed at Princeton, but writing the search report that evenually brought you to Princeton in 1989 is a major exception. Have a great day. All the best, |
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Richard Newman |
Dear Nell, I am absolutely delighted to join other friends, colleagues, and admirers to wish you a happy birthday. Congratulations to you! Please thank Glenn for giving me this opportunity. I am sorry to be tardy, but I had a cerebral hemorrhage in January and have been watching a lot of TV. I don't know whether it's really not so bad, or if critical judgment is among the brain cells I lost. I came very close to dying, and I will tell you that that experience communicates a powerful and persuasive message. It is Du Bois's statement, "One thing alone I charge you. As you live, believe in life!" So all the very best to you, now and in the future. Your work has meant so much to so many. We are all in your debt. Happy birthday. Sincerely, |
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Roy & Ruth Nichols |
Happy Birthday Nell! We are proud of your many achievements and are particularly enjoying your latest book, "Southern History Across the Color Line." Don't stop new. Our friendship, which commenced during the early days at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church, we covet. Our whole family joins us in saying "Have a Great Day." With much love, |
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Philip Nord |
Dear Nell: Deberoah and I want to wish you the happiest of birthdays. Many congratulations. Yours, |
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Joyce Carol Oates & Ray Smith |
Happy birthday, Nell, and much love. Joyce and Ray |
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dt ogilvie |
Dear Nell, First of all, if Glenn hadn't told me, there is no way I would have guessed your age. You have such a youthful spirit and appearance that it's difficult to grasp that you will be 60 next month! While your scholarship is impressive, what impresses me even more is your warmth and generosity. You are one of the most famous historians in the world, yet you are very approachable and down-to-earth, and as a young scholar meeting you for the first time years ago, I put you in my role model category. I wish you the best of birthdays, Nell. And now that you are a Newark resident, I hope to have the opportunity to see you more often. We should get together so I can buy you a celebratory drink at one of our local hangouts. Fondly, |
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Nichole Rustin |
Professor Painter, Best wishes on your birthday and continued success and happiness for the future. Thank you for your encouragement, warmth, and intellectual energy, rigor, and commitment. With warm regards, |
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Leslie Sanders |
Celebrating your grace, knowledge and wisdom, Nell, and also the fun we've had - with our mutual friend! Love on your birthday and always, |
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Patricia Schechter (see photo album) |
Dear Nell, When I look out at a lecture hall full of students, at an unfamiliar conference audience, at my blank computer screen, or a pile of papers to edit or grade, your example of excellence, committment, and wisdom somehow reaches me, all the way out here in Oregon. Thank you so much for sharing your warmth, humour, courage, and great style with your students, the profession, and the world. You promised us a painted portrait when you pick up the brush and pallet. We'll come find you when you call, where ever and whenever that may be. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Love, |
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Edna Schenkel |
Happy Birthday, Nell Painter! You are truly a 21st century woman. Who else would have a cyber birthday celebration? As your lecture agent for the past six years, you have made my job easy. You are the perfect speaker – intelligent, articulate, accomplished, attractive, accommodating and undaunted by small planes! I'm pleased that our professional relationship has grown into a personal one, and I am honored to be counted among your friends – even though we have yet to meet! All your fans at Greater Talent Network join me in wishing you the very best of birthdays. Let the celebrations continue! Enjoy it all. Warmest regards, |
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Richard Scherl & Soheila Kobler |
Dear Nell: Happy Birthday!! We wish you many more happy and productive years. Rich & Soheila |
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Norman & Liz Schofield |
Happy Birthday Dear Nell. The time we spent in Palo Alto was one of those good times. The configuration of the stars must have been just right. And you were the best neighbor. Sitting out on the stoop, drinking wine, idly chatting about this and that - it could not have been better. Love, |
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Carl Schorske |
Dear Nell, "....Happy Birhtday dear
Ne-ell, I want not only to sing to you loud and clear, but more: to apply a lesson of yours by sending the song of your day in Seven Shape Notation. I learned of the latter from you and Hosea Hudson, whose life of feeling, thought and action you limned with such sympathetic understanding. But once again, the computer defeats me. I can get it neither to carry my voice live nor to convey my song to you in the lovely, simple, musical script Hosea used. It may be your birthday, Nell, but we all get the presents: the products of your passionate, illuminating scholarship and teaching. Many thanks, and heartiest congratulations! Affectionately, |
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Joyce Seltzer |
Nell, Although I always admire your ever-changing elegant yet sturdy shoes, it's really just a stand-in for the whole, ever-changing, ever-original, elegant yet sturdy you. Seeing you at conferences or at Princeton is always a breath of fresh and vital air that I inhale deeply and get giddy on. It's a pleasure to know you and to have this chance to send you love and warm wishes for a wonderful year ahead. Toujours gai! Je t'embrasse, |
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Dee Shafer (see photo album) |
Happy Birthday Nell. I'm very proud to have you as a sister-in-law, both because of your many accomplishments and because of who you are as a person. Please come and visit us in the redwoods sometime. Dee |
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Dennis Shafer (see photo album) |
Dear Nell, Happy Birthday! It seems just yesterday that I was tap-dancing with your mom at your wedding. You have been a great role model for me since then, teaching me everything from table manners to francais. Congratulations on being 60, and I hope you have a great second career as an artist! Bises, |
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Glenn Shafer (see photo album) |
Nell, my love, I hope the good wishes and warm thoughts of your friends will give you pleasure for many years. Love, |
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Janet Shafer (see photo album) |
Nell, Have the happiest of birthdays! I'm so glad my brother married you! I've enjoyed all the times I've visited, and you've always made me feel welcome. It's been an honor to work on your web site. It's been a joy to work with Glenn (the relentless editor), and the initial work Rick did was very helpful, too. I've also enjoyed getting to know your friends through posting the web site messages. I hope the web site brings you pleasure and satisfaction. Love and best wishes, |
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Rick Shafer (see photo album) |
Nell, After knowing you half my life, I still have no idea what you'll do next. Or even half the things you've done already, as I intermittently discover a whole range of expertise and experience that I would never have imagine you had. (Like when you told me some of what you know about co-ops.) As many resources as you have, it is possible for you to do on a whim what many people must contemplate and struggle to do — e.g., traveling to Europe or buying something expensive. But I see you committing yourself to what you do in a way that many people of extensive means would never do. You give all your effort to many of the things you do. You are clearly moving to Newark for a good set of reasons that go well beyond the superficial or self-interested considerations to which far too many people limit themselves (many of whom, I believe, limit themselves thus because they are repeatedly told to). Of course I can't get in your head and say all the reasons, but I can see that you are about to dive in and become part of a community that is finally rising again after decades of misery and disaster. Many a person would never contemplate such a thing. More to the point, the vast majority of people in New Jersey don't have the courage to move to any of the historic cities, and they don't have the balls to stand up and say, "I'm from Newark," even among those who don't have the strong racist bias that so many New Jerseyans display toward your new home. And many who might would still hedge and dodge and tell their friends that they have some overwhelming practical reason like being close to New York and insist they have no intrinsic interest in their community. But I can't see you doing that. What I see is you moving forward and believing in what you're doing. You'll be enjoying yourself as you contribute to and benefit from a real city, but simultaneously you'll be making a point. It is, of course, your point to make; but I believe it is a point about the value of cities, about the racially polarized nature of our state and nation, about revitalization and renewal and the opportunity for happiness in a place that has been largely denied it for so very long. It will be a valid point because you live it. In your sixty-and-counting years you have lived so very much. You have lived on three continents, spoken more than a couple languages, learned from people with all kinds of points of view, and staked out an intellectual and moral ground to call your own. As such you are someone to admire, and as such I have quite a challenge to live up to the standard you set. Happy birthday, Nell. |
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Roy Shafer (see photo album) |
Happy Birthday Nell!! We're happy to have you in the family - and we enjoyed meeting you at your and Glenn's wedding in Princeton, and then having you visit us here in Caney. Hope you can visit us again soon. Best wishes from the Kansas Shafers |
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Harold & Vivian Shapiro |
Both Vivian and I are delighted to be able to congratulate Nell on reaching this milestone. For both of us, however, Nell seems to be getting younger each year, so we are not sure just what it means to be celebrating her 60th! Given our own metrics we think of Nell as only about to reach the prime of her life at least as judged by the many ways she enriches the personal and professional lives of those who are fortunate enough to share a common community with her. Please convey to Nell our hearty congratulations. Harold Shapiro |
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Judith Shapiro |
Dear Nell, You were my comrade in arms, conversations, and handicrafts during the spring of 1989 at the Center and you were a large part of what made that time so wonderful. (That loose sweater I made has just kept stretching and stretching and stretching, and would now fit Jesse Ventura.) I also remember your role in the wonderful panel we did at Bryn Mawr on women during the Civil War. Above all, though, I remember singing "Ana Hava Babanot" at your wedding and having a lot of people ask me which one of you was Jewish. Many good years since then and many more to come. It is long past time for us to get together!! With love and fond memories, |
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Prakash Shenoy |
Dear Nell, Congratulations on your 60th birthday! I can't believe you are 60. We (Glenn's friends at KU) don't hold any grudges for taking Glenn away from us. Best wishes, PS Hooray to Glenn for doing this website. If I tried to do something similar for Cathy (and reveal her age to the entire world), she would kill me. |
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Jill & Norman Sheppard |
Dear Nell Seeing we are celebrating your 60th birthday, we guess it's not embarassing to begin by saying we've known you for a little over half that number of years. The first time you came to stay with us we've never forgotten: the whole family - us, Tim, the cat Sheba, and even Rosette, the North African au pair - all fell for your charm, and nearly crowded you out of the room! Since then we've corresponded (irregularly), visited in Britain, France, Berlin and Maine (erratically). Jill (a mediaevalist) has learnt something new each time. Norman has acquired some choice knitwear (still feels good). Jill has particularly appreciatged receiving so many of your publications, which as an averagely ignorant Brit, have taught her a great deal about your country. It was quite clear when Frank came to stay where some of the niceness, charm and other characteristics came from. We have yet to meet Dona -sooner than later as we may not 'look that good when we're that old'. We both look forward to many more letters and meetings and hopefully books. One day soon we hope to see you open your first exhibition of paintings. Jill and Norman |
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Suzanne & Larry Sherr |
Dear Nell, Happy Birthday. We want to add our good wishes to all those coming your way on this milestone event. Glad to have known you for a portion of these years. Looking forward to many more opportunities to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NELL. Suzanne and Larry Sherr |
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Ruth Simmons |
Dear Nell, Congratulations on this important milestone. When I think back to our days at Harvard, I am reminded of how long you have been a source of inspiration for me. Few can claim to be original but you are certainly in that distinctive class. While I take great pride in your many accomplishments, I am especially proud of who you are as a human being. I am pleased to be your friend, drawing inspiration like so many others from the lively and beautiful example you have set. Thank you, dear Nell, and much love on you sixtieth! Ruth J. Simmons |
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Kathryn Kish Sklar |
Dear Nell -- What a grand occasion! Enjoy every minute of your birthday. The glow of your spirit has infused with a special light the world that we inhabit as historians. Thank you for sharing your special grace so generously with the rest of us. Kitty |
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Stephanie Smallwood |
Happy Birthday Nell! As I write this birthday greeting I have on my mind a photo of eight gorgeous black women academics, ranging in age from our twenties to not quite sixty (guess who?). We are each of us beautiful in our own way, but it is our collective radiance that makes the photo truly stunning. Damn we look good! (If you've not yet seen the photo, ask Daphne to make a copy for you). This image of multi-generational brilliance and beauty (and others like it posted on this wonderful website) reminds me of something I said to you privately several years ago, about the kinds of opportunities and choices a black little girl like me could grow up to have because of the enormous impact of forebears like yourself. Wanting you to know on your sixtieth that the path paved by your choices, your courage, and your battles won and lost, is honored and cherished by those following behind you. Thank you for being the beautiful, bold trailblazer that you are! With love and thanks, |
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Frances Foster Smith |
Nellie alerted me to this event and I think it is absolutely wonderful. I congratulate Nell on this historical event -- a half century and a decade of living, loving and learning. I have am so grateful that I am among those who owe you for your personal interest, professional counsel, and all round example for how to live with integrity, courage and goodwill -- all the while stirring the waters with significant, serious, and "contrary" findings that help write the record right. |
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Jackie & Ernest Smith (see photo album) |
Dear Nell, 60 years make a great person. Happy Birthday Love, |
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Nigel Smith & Kate Flint |
Dear Glenn, We met at Val Smith's house warming party, and I heard that you were establishing a website for Nell's big birthday. If this is the case, I'd like to add our own very best wishes to Nell. In the short time we've known her, she's been a great friend and a very stimulating presence. Best wishes, |
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Valerie Smith |
Dear Nell, I continue to be dazzled and inspired by your brilliance, energy, wisdom, productivity, warmth, passion and sheer gorgeousness. I hope that your sixtieth birthday will mark the beginning of a new and even more stunning stage of your life, one rich with ideas, health, love, beauty and grace. With love, |
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Rick Sobel |
Nell, Congratulations on the celebration of the your 60th birthday. A few highlights of our work together stand out: First is the creation of what is now the annual Norfleet/Simpson book prize for community leadership when you were acting chair at Afro-Am in 1991. Second is serving as (head?) preceptor of your course on the history of the American South and learning about geography, literature, labor, family and music. Third is being a political scientist described and mentored by you as a "budding young historian." Fourth was participating in your New History Seminar at your home. Finally and more locally, it was fun meeting you with Skip Gates in Harvard Square before your talk on Sojourner Truth at the Brattle Theater. For all these and many more, I send my thanks and most expressive greetings for a wonderful celebration and many more to come. Best, |
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Hortense Spillers |
Yes, Glenn! Please tell Nell that her "elder" sends her congratulations. I was sixty on 24 April! One of these years, we should have a joint party for all the sixties people. My suggestion: we all go to Milan together and shop! I'd have done it this year if I could have gotten out of classes. All my best to you and Nell. |
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Rajendra Srivastava |
Dear Nell: Congratulations on your 60th birthday! You look too young to be sixty! By the way, I turned sixty too last month (July 5) and I don't feel it or think that I am that old. I wish you a happy, healthy, and productive years ahead. Raj |
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Anne & Dorothy Sterling |
Happy Birthday, Nell. Love, Dorothy Sterling (and Happy Birthday from me too; Best Wishes, Anne Sterling) |
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Lillian & Ted Stewart |
Happy Birthday Nell! Ted and I are so happy to join your family and friends in wishing you a happy 60th birthday. Because our birthdays are a day apart, I love the way we have contacted each other by phone or by mail on our birthdays every year. I treasure those moments. Happy Birthday Nell! Enjoy your day.........Enjoy your year.....Celebrate, We love you. |
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Margaret Stortz |
Dear Nell, What a wonderful idea that Glenn has......to put up lots of birthday greetings on your website. I am so pleased to have been invited by your mother to participate. 60 is another of those great milestones which can be viewed with some ambivalence. (Am I older? Am I wiser? Can I be both, or simply older?) This took place in my life seven years ago right around this time. (My birthday is just four days before yours.) It took me awhile to adjust to this turn of the decade, but it also became the road in to another phase of my life. After 60, I retired; I returned to University life; I got a Degree; I set up a Master's Program. So I know that this time portends great possibilities for you. There are many "next steps" ahead for you, and you are in a more wonderful position than ever to walk into them. Like fine wine, time has done well by you. Here's to a magnificent Celebration...........and of course, many more. Only The Best! |
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Carol Swain (see photo album) |
Congratulations Nell Painter! What a wonderful tribute for a woman of your distinction and grace. Indeed, you have been a shining inspiration for many, many people. May God continue to prosper you and Glenn with good health and longevity. Always remember that you are much too blessed to be stressed. Remember also the words of the wise King Solomon: "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity." His conclusion after much reflection was that man should "fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Never, never be too much of an intellectual to recognize the power and authority that God continues to exercise over our lives. Your Born Again in Christ Friend, Carol M. Swain |
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Howard Taylor |
FWow -- 60th! Not that I'm admitting that I am there yet, but there is a social-psychological principle at work; it goes something like this: The closer you get to an age, the younger it sounds to you. Right? Remember how old 30, then 40, etc sounded until you reached those ages? Hence, 60 should sound not-so-old today, now that you are there, Nell!! BUT: problem! Sixty STILL sounded old to me when I turned 60 (a mere few seconds ago) and so I trust 60 still sounds old to you, as well! So there. But you have got this wonderful baby face! That's a decided asset, so don't take what I am saying as even vaguely insulting! This is all to say: Warm congratulations to you, baby face and all, on your 60th! Aren't you enjoying your cabin in the wooded mountains? By the way: Aug 2 is Leo -- right? I thought so. Love -- Howard Taylor |
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Rosalyn Terborg-Penn |
My dear friend and colleague Nell, do you believe that we have known one another now nearly half of our lives? What a pleasant thought for me, because I treasure our friendship and welcome you to the "sixty" club. In celebrating this milestone in your life, let me say that I must congratulate you for looking wonderful, for becoming a major scholar in our field, for being a master teacher with former Ph.D. students who have become part of your legacy, and for supporting your fellow scholars whenever they call upon you for assistance. I certainly have benefited through the years from your kindness and generosity. Here's to a long and continued productive life, and twenty-five years from now when you reach Dona Irvin's age, "I hope you look that good when you're that old." Fond and sincere wishes, |
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Joshua Theriot & Vera Winston |
Dear Nell, You will soon celebrate your 60th birthday. Vera and I wish you a Happy Birthday and a glorious celebration. Joshua Theriot and Vera Winston |
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Felicia Thomas |
Nell, You are an exemplary scholar, a wonderful teacher, a caring mentor, and a generous friend. Happy 60th birthday. You wear it well, but then you are a queen. Felicia |
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Robert Tignor |
Nell, My congratulations to you on reaching the sixty mark, which, as you know, is no longer the speed limit on the super highways. You are certainly on one of the super highways, and you have a free, get out of jail card to cruise along at any speed you like. It seems just a short time ago that you came to dinner over at our house as we tried to persuade you that Princeton was the place for you. We succeeded, and I am sure that you are not sorry that you came. Lots of good students and lots of intellectual excitement, made all the better by your lively inputs. How long ago was that? Quite a few years, I imagine. Many more happy returns and many more books, articles, speeches, and the like. Bob Tignor |
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Kate Torrey |
To Nell--a marvelous writer, an insightful historian, and a fearless scholar--with love, admiration, and all good wishes on the occasion of your 60th birthday. May you revel not only in the day but in all the marvelous things that lie ahead for you. Congratulations on all your many achievements and contributions, Kate Kate Douglas Torrey |
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Alan Trachtenberg |
Nell, It's a pleasure to greet you on this milestone birthday. I think back to the revived American Writers Congress of years ago, China, your visits to Yale, countless meetings here and there. Keep going! Alan |
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Richard Turits |
Dear Nell, Happy 60th birthday! May it be a joyous one and prelude to new joys and accomplishments as well. It's wonderful having you as a colleague, learning from you, working with you, sharing music with you... All best wishes, Richard |
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Bill Tuttle |
Dear Nell, Happy Birthday! You're still as beautiful as you were when we became friends in 1972. I was a fellow at the time at the Charles Warren Center. You were finishing your doctorate and serving, as I recall, as the director of a residence hall at Radcliffe. In fact, one of my fondest memories of you dates from that time and from the living room in that very dormitory. You had arranged an informal talk by Flo Kennedy. The place was packed. Flo, wearing that big bullet on a chain around her neck, was provocative and "right on." And then Martin Kilson arrived to confront her over some issue. The tension mounted as both he and Flo got louder. I looked over to see how you, as the official in charge, was reacting to this contretemps. And you were beaming, thoroughly enjoying the entire spectacle. Nell, you have always stood for personal integrity and honesty, and you have fought your whole life for racial and gender equality and for social democracy. It's been a pleasure being your friend all these years. Happy Birthday, Nell. Love, |
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Joe VanZandt |
Dear Nell, I am not sure that anyone deserves congratulations for merely living to the age of 60, but to have lived those 60 years in a manner as remarkable and distinguished as you have done is indeed a cause for celebration. I remember first meeting you in Glenn's home in Lawrence, long before I knew or appreciated the extent of your accomplishments. Your grace, natural ease and engaging personality put me immediately at ease. I was delighted to see the growth and consummation of your relationship with Glenn. The joy you brought to Glenn's life was, and remains, immeasurable. Over the years, I have gradually come to know and admire your work in history and historical biography; I assure you, my admiration of the work and its author would not have been diminished had I not been so fortunate as to count you and Glenn among my friends. I send you my deepest best wishes on the occasion of your 60th birthday; may the coming decades be as fruitful and full of joy as the first six have been. With warmest regards and deepest admiration, I wish you a wonderful birthday! Yours in friendship, |
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Margaret Rose Vendryes (see photo album) |
Dearest Nell, Make art Nell!!! Take William James's advice, "the right time is anytime." Although we have had precious few moments together, each and every one is etched in my memory. I still laugh when I recall how you took one look at Richmond Barthé's mother and said she looked like more of a man than her son!! You are proof that the academic life does not drain the humor out of a scholar. There are times that I question what I am doing in the academy. Often the fit feels uncomfortable. Times like these, women like you, who openly revel in the joys of work and play, remind me that adjustments can be made to create a better fit. You are an inspiration to do more, do what's best, be true to self, and have a good time at it. Thank you for including me in your circle of friends. I know that the artists in us will always remain connected. All good things, M |
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Volodya Vovk |
Dear Nell -- Happy birthday! Many thanks for your support, generosity and forgiveness during Glenn's and my sporadic but frantic efforts to finish "Probability and Finance...". Congratulations and best wishes for the next 60 years; always remain the combination of beauty, wisdom and warmness that you are now. Volodya |
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Juliet Walker |
2 August 2002 Happy, Happy Birthday, Nell A Top Ten List in the Life of an Extraordinary Woman, 10. A True Friend Who Encourages Others Dear Nell, Again, Happy Birthday! Can thirty years have passed since I first heard of Nell Painter, the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in history at Harvard University? We all stood in awe of you. I know I did. And, today, we continue to stand in awe, and you continue to be not only the first woman with a Harvard, Ph.D. in history and, I believe, the only one. And, this is the Twenty-first Century, only seventeen more years to 2019, to four centuries of our history in this nation! Over the years, you have certainly been a model for me as a historian, especially in the pursuit of excellence in scholarship. (This letter is not about me, but I don't think I would have won some thirteen awards for my publications if I had not had you as a model, who was in the forefront to show that black women could earn distinction for excellence in scholarship), So, not only have you earned distinctions for your contributions to scholarship, you have brought others along the way. For me, as well as so many others, Nell Painter is a woman who writes letters, a woman who has opened doors in this profession for those seeking promotions, jobs, grants and fellowships, manuscript reviews. You have counseled, you have encouraged. You have been a confidant for so many as we have negotiated the academic terrain. You have told us, we are not alone. And, you have not been afraid to write honest commentaries on what it has been like for black scholars in negotiating the academic terrain. So, today, we celebrate your birthday, but what stands out are the so many gifts you have given others over the years. And, now, you are 60, but for those who embrace life age, like they say, is nothing but a number. You write books, you lecture and, now, from what you said, as the honored guest speaker at the 2001 Association of Black Women Historians annual luncheon, you continue to add new dimensions: you paint, indeed, a Renaissance Woman of the Twenty-first Century. Girl, you got it going on! So, while I offer congratulations to you on your birthday, I am so happy that I can also thank you again for all the gifts you have given me over the years. -Best always, Love ya' |
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Jack Washington |
Nell, your scholarship and giving nature is an inspiration to us all. May you continue to do the work of a scholar and demonstrate the kind of friendship that has won you much admiration among your peers. Best wishes on your 60th birthday. Jack Washington |
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Jean Washington |
Dearest Nell, Congratulations on your SIXTIETH Birthday. It wasn't that long ago, when I thought age 60 was . . . well, let's say, I couldn't imagine it. I am so happy to say that your youthfulness, energy, spirit, beauty, and brains defy all illusions of age as it was once perceived in my mind. You've come to represent that quality of agelessness that is encouraging to many, including myself, as we all traverse the path of celebrating annual birthdays which seem to come more quickly as years go by. I am so very glad we had an opportunity to work together and that I came to know a Black woman historian whom I can deeply admire, respect, and be proud of. I'm especially proud of how you made PAAS (Program in African-American Studies) more visible on the Princeton Campus: Small and Large Conferences, Lectures, PAAS Fellows, Mid-Atlantic Study Group, Informing Princeton, African-American Forums, Senior Theses Awards, Research Awards, Senior Faculty Searches, Dissertation Fellow program to name a few. All of the programs you implemented and revived left a positive, lasting effect on the Program in the short and long terms. You set the groundwork for making African American Studies a permanent academic discipline at a highly respected university. Your directorship term can only be described as a 'job well done.' I look forward to your new books. I will be particularly interested in your topics; you write so well. In closing, let it be known, I will miss your presence in the town of Princeton where the Program was always assured by you of having a wonderful place to have events. Thank you so much for all. Happy Birthday and Best Wishes for a wonderful day, |
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Elwood Watson |
To a demonstrably first-rate scholar who has contributed insurmountably to the historical profession. May God bless you and may heaven continue to smile upon you. Elwood Watson |
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Kitsi Watterson (see photo album) |
RING A BELL FOR NELL with love always, from Kitsi Nell, Nell, Nell, Oh yes, she's the one who soars like a kite, She's the one who wrote Sojourner Truth, She's the one who chats you up in French She's the one whose cat, Ol Gert, comes in And now the day has come when our belle, And as cuts her swath through time, So, Happy Birthday, Nell, my dear pal. |
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Ford & Harriot Weiskittel |
Dear Nell, Happy Birthday! We hope you have a wonderful celebration. We haven't known you for very many of those years, but we keep thinking that those flowers that Glenn gives you every day is only fair in return for the flowers of your life that you have brought him. May you flower for many more years! Best wishes on your 60th birthday, |
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Madeline Wells |
Dear Nell, Happy Birthday to my friend from long ago and over many years. When we get together it's fun to reminisce...about 34th Street in Oakland, and our many school adventures like the Jazz Club, and do you remember the first time we went to The Blackhawk and heard The MJQ? I'm so happy we've remained in touch. It's a unique experience to share a friendship of such longevity. I feel blessed to know you. May you enjoy continued good health, happiness, and prosperity. Madeline Wells |
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Cornel West |
Dear Sister Nell, How blessed we are to have you in the world for 60 years! Happy Birthday! Cornel West |
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Hollie West |
Dear Nell, During our many talks at Harvard nearly 30 years ago, we sometimes wondered whether it would be better to be rich or famous. You always said fame was preferable. I opted for wealth. Now, years later, I'm definitely not rich. But you are more than famous--you are distinguished, a renowned scholar and model professional. The urgent mission is to make you rich so that you can have the best of both worlds. How about taking a few chances on the lottery! Happy birthday! The best to you for many more years! |
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Deborah Gray White |
Happy Birthday Nell. May you spit on the sidewalk and wear purple as much as you damn well please. Keep on showing me how to get to where you are, and together let's talk and put our feet up and throw back - as we remember the yesterdays and prepare for the tomorrows. Deborah Gray White |
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Sharon Wiggins |
Hi, Nell. We have never met, but I've seen you on TV on PBS! Hope this milestone celebration for you is very happy. My 60th passed by without too much fanfare. But this year will be different. I will be 62 on August 5th and I have made my little trip down to the Social Security office and put my name in the pot. Now THERE'S a reason for celebration! Wishing you a happy day and continued success. |
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Sean Wilentz |
Dear Nell, I only wish our old pal Gutman were around to see this happy day. He was always busting his buttons over you. As we all are now. With sixty more from here... As ever, |
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Roger Wilkins |
Happy Birthday, Nell and thanks. No, not thanks for turning 60, but for, with your words and your being, helping to give me the courage 15 years ago to change careers to become a teacher of history. And also for teaching me with your writing...your Sojourner Truth will always be my Sojourner Truth. And for being a wonderfully generous scholar and colleague. About being 60....Patrica turned 60 the other day
and tells me it's no big deal. I wouldn't know, because I don't remember
it. All my love, |
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Chad Williams |
Happy 60th birthday Nell! I have been so fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from you and have someone as phenomenal as yourself to guide me through graduate school and academia. You have always been, and continue to be, a bedrock of support, a source of mentorship, and a fountain of knowledge. I must admit, working with Professor Painter as a wide-eyed first year graduate student fresh out of college is an intimidating experience. You challenged me, as you do with all of your students, in ways that most professors fail to do. I quickly realized, however, that this was reflective of the serious commitment you take to teaching and the faith you held in us to become successful scholars. You often see the promise in us that other people fail to recognize. For this I am so grateful. Over the past four years, you have played an invaluable role in my maturation as a graduate student and budding historian. In so many ways my nascent scholarship bears your name. This was recently confirmed to me by my father, who after reading the introduction to Southern History Across the Color Line told me "I can see Nell Painter's | ||